CBs are not geographically restricted by the PrimusGFS scheme. CBs can operate in any country they wish though auditees should work with their CB to consider the potential need of a translator. Auditees should also work with their CB to establish the travel expenses that may be incurred.

CBs fees are negotiated between the CB and the auditee; this includes audit fees and travel expenses. PrimusGFS bills the CB’s for application and certification(s). Per audit, PrimusGFS bills the CB the following amounts:

Audit companies seeking approval as PrimusGFS certification bodies shouldcontact the PrimusGFS schemefor more details and copies of the current application/licensing documentation.

Some points to consider with regard to becoming an approved certification body:

Proof of company legal status, details of company ownership and company organization chart change with roles and responsibilities.

Signed application form (form available from PrimusGFS) and enrollment fee of $5000.

Signed license agreement (form available from PrimusGFS).

Proof of at least a $5 million (US) liability/errors and omissions insurance. Policy to be supplied at the time of application and updates provided on an annual basis.

Proof of ISO/IEC 17065 or ISO/IEC 17021 accreditation (or equivalent). A CB will be required to prove that they have applied to an accreditation body (one that has signed the IAF Multilateral Agreement) to have their operations ISO/IEC 17065 or ISO/IEC 17021 (or equivalent) accredited against the current version of PrimusGFS. Note that CBs are allowed to perform audits as “provisionally approved” for up to 12 months from the date of application while progressing through the accreditation process.

CBs must utilize auditors that meet the requirements as noted in thecurrent general regulationsincluding qualifications, experience, training, and assessing. Proof that auditors meet these requirements is part of the documented auditor induction program/approval system.

CBs must ensure they and their chosen auditors are free from any conflicts of interest that would bring themselves or the scheme into disrepute.

PrimusGFS allows CBs to use subcontractors. A CB is wholly responsible for the audit process when the subcontractor is working on behalf of that CB. For all intents and purposes of the scheme, when a subcontractor performs an audit for a CB, the subcontractor is an employee of the approved CB.

PrimusGFS permits subcontractors to work for more than one CB, but CBs are allowed to state whether they allow their subcontractors to work for other CB’s. Please note:

When a subcontractor works for more than one CB, they must go through each CB’s auditor induction program/auditor approval system (i.e. approval cannot be transferred from one CB to another).

Induction steps, such as training on CB SOP’s and forms (especially appeal/dispute
systems) and auditor shadow assessments, must be performed for each CB that the
subcontractor works with.

CBs and auditors must have access to reliable internet connections and computers, since PrimusGFS uses internet-based software for many facets of the scheme process.

CBs and CBs’ auditee clients must agree to scheme audit shadows which may occur on an occasional basis. CBs must also permit the scheme to review audit reports and conduct CB office audit visits from time to time as part of the scheme integrity program.

CBs’ requirements may change from time to time due to changes derived from the PrimusGFS scheme, GFSI, and the CB accreditation standards.

Becoming an Auditor

Food safety professionals wishing to become PrimusGFS auditors must work with at least one
approved PrimusGFS certification body; please see the CB listing
here.

Some points to consider in regard to becoming a PrimusGFS auditor include: